Search

Monday Morning Memo



Monday, August 6, 2018

Partnership Presents

Board Member Spotlight: Paul Anderson

Paul Anderson is the current President and CEO of Port Tampa Bay. Prior to his arrival here in Tampa in December of 2012, he held a series of high-profile leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. In 2003, Mr. Anderson, was nominated to the Federal Maritime Commission by President George W. Bush and was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2004, he served a five-year term ending in 2008. A highlight of Anderson’s service included his appointment to the Committee on Marine Transportation, a cabinet-level strategy group responsible for the nation’s seaports and reporting directly to the President. He served as the Chief Executive Officer for the Jacksonville Port Authority and spent 10 years as an executive with JM Family Enterprises, a diversified automobile business headquartered in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Paul also served as a senior director of Seabulk Marine, Inc., an international marine transportation company in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Paul has also served as an advisor on intermodal issues to multiple governors including former Florida governors Jeb Bush and Charlie Crist. Paul recently was reelected for a second term as the Chairman of the Florida Ports Council by his fellow Florida’s port directors. He also serves multiple national leadership positions including the board of directors of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC). Paul also serves on the board of directors for the Florida Chamber of Commerce; Associated Industries of Florida; Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation; Leukemia Lymphoma Society; Florida Aquarium; Visit Tampa Bay; Tampa Hillsborough EDC; Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO); and the National Executive Committee of the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship.

Summer Series Comes to a Close

Thank you to all of our partners who made Summer Series in Curtis Hixon Park a success! This new project will return next summer to bring fun and shade to Tampa’s Downtown. This year we featured free programs Monday through Saturday. Brought to you by Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park, YMCA, Hillsborough County Library, Salt Block Catering, Fit4Mom, and Barrett School of Music, Summer Series started July 5th and ran until August 4th. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for more announcements on fun things happening in Tampa’s Downtown!

Get Involved, Stay in the Know

Since 1986, the Partnership has been an advocate for the business community, bringing together leaders from a broad range of industries and market segments to ensure Downtown Tampa remains an active central business district, arts and cultural center and residential neighborhood. Through our member events and hands-on committees, members make important connections with community and business leaders and gain knowledge and insights that can directly impact their companies and organizations. Membership with the Tampa Downtown Partnership is a direct investment into the health and economic vitality of downtown; and as downtown prospers, so too does your business. Becoming a member ensures your company’s involvement in our organization’s downtown revitalization efforts and means your company will be kept abreast of new developments; and ongoing activities and events. Come to a meeting. Join a committee. Volunteer for an afternoon. Share your visions for downtown Tampa. Start by becoming a member and subscribing to a newsletter that suits your interests.

Be a Vendor at Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park

Tampa Downtown Partnership is currently accepting applicants for vendors at the Shops of Winer Village at Curtis Hixon Park. The Shops of Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park offer holiday shoppers an affordable and unique retail experience with local sellers of garments, personal products, artisan goods, gourmet packaged foods, and holiday decor. Thanks to the generous support of PODS® Moving and Storage, each Winter Village Shop is held in a PODS® container in a market-style layout. The shops are semi-permanent structures that will require interior décor by the shop owner. Shops accepted will reflect a mix of local, imported, artisan, and/or manufactured goods. Merchandise will stay securely locked in your shop ready for opening on the next business day. Shops are leased by the season (five week duration for retailers/seven week duration for packaged food vendors). Vendors accepted to participate will be notified during the first week of September 2018. Applications are due August 22, 2018.

Your Downtown Calendar

The following is just a sample of upcoming events in Downtown Tampa. Visit the Downtown Tampa Events Calendar for a more comprehensive list. Going to one of the events? Snap a photo and tag #TampasDowntown

Wedding Tasting

Wednesday, August 8, begins 7pm
The Florida Aquarium
Wedding planning can be stressful, but this event adds a little fun to the mix. The Aquarium is offering a special wedding tasting experience for you and your fiancé to enjoy. Get a full view of the unique venue and taste some of the Aquarium’s most popular wedding menu items to help prepare for your big day! For more information, go to Wedding Tasting.

Digital Summit Tampa

Wednesday, August 8 and Thursday, August 9
Tampa Convention Center
The Digital Summit is Tampa’s top event for professionals in the digital space. Speaker brands include Coca-Cola, MGM Resorts, Evernote, The Economist and more! Immerse yourself in the latest tips, strategies, and best practices on content, social media, UX and design, email, mobile, video, SEO, and more. The two day event features over 45 sessions and speakers featuring the latest digital strategies, tactics and best practices. For more information, go to Digital Summit Tampa.

“Ugly Lies the Bone”

Thursday, August 9 to Sunday, August 19
Stageworks Theatre
This award-winning play chronicles the homecoming of a newly-discharged female American soldier to Titusville, Florida. When she returns, Jess is still coming to terms with her own physical and emotional scars as she grapples with the question of ‘What now?’ As she undergoes a new innovative recovery process involving virtual reality, she builds a new world where she can begin to heal herself. For more information, go to “Ugly Lies the Bone”.

Cole KOD Tour

Saturday, August 11, begins 7:30pm
Amalie Arena
The wildly popular J. Cole is embarking on a 34-date tour in support of his chart-topping new album KOD. Downtown Tampa is just the second stop on this cross-country tour. J. Cole will perform along with special guest Young Thug. Get your tickets to see this hip hop sensation take the stage for a masterful performance! For more information, go to J. Cole KOD Tour.

Doing Business in Downtown

Hotel Bar, est. 2016, reinvents classic hotel drinks in a modern cocktail bar setting in downtown Tampa. Hotel Bar is the brainchild of owner’s Leslie Shirah and Mark Culbreath, the same owners of downtown’s pioneer bar and restaurant, Fly. Hotel Bar celebrates the cocktail creations of famous bartenders at international hotels around the world, expertly crafted by some of Tampa’s most innovative and passionate bartenders. The setting is upscale, relaxed and intimate. Some of the historic cocktails you will find on the menu are The Moonwalk — Grand marinier, grapefruit, rosewater, bouvet rosé, Hanky Panky — Ford’s gin, bonal, fernet, amaro Montenegro, Corpse Reviver — St. George gin, cointreau, lemon, absinthe and Hotel Nacional — Cana brava, giffard peche, pineapple, lime. True to the name, the space reflects a swanky hotel – embossed metal ceiling tiles, stylish wallpaper, local artwork, oversized brown leather stools, a custom marble bar top, and an antique chandelier hanging overhead. Hotel bar cultivates an upscale yet friendly vibe and has become a go-to spot to enjoy expertly crafted libations and late night gourmet bites. The space also functions as a versatile setting for cocktail receptions, networking events and business gatherings, having recently reserved Sundays for exclusive rentals. For more information on booking your private event, visit hotelbartampa.com/home/private-events. Hotel bar is located at 200 N. Tampa Street Suite G-100 Tampa, Florida 33602 and opens Monday-Saturday at 4pm. CLOSED Sundays for private events. Happy Hour is from 4-6, serving $3 drafts, $6 wines, $5 spirits and $8 special cocktails.

It’s Back to School in Tampa’s Downtown

Congratulations to the entire Rampello Downtown K-8 community for earning an A grade again! Teachers and staff have already been busy preparing for a wonderful 2018-2019 school year. Open house is Wednesday, August 8th from 5:00-6:30pm. Parents and students are encouraged to come and meet their teachers and see their classrooms. The first day of school is August 10th. Check our web site for school supply lists. Let us know if your office would like to host a supply drive! We look forward to having everyone back on board! Looking to become a part of our crew? Go to the web site and click on the Magnet Info tab to sign up for a tour.

Industrious is Expanding

Industrious is proud and excited to announce their expansion within the SunTrust Centre. They are adding over 20,000 square feet of private offices, gorgeous amenities like lounges overlooking Tampa Bay, phone rooms, meeting space, and more. The new space will feature Industrious’ signature hospitality – including Buddy Brew coffee, snacks, happy hours, and curated member events. Coming this September, and reserving space now. Book a tour and see for yourself!

Hooters is Leaving Channel District Location

One of the original anchors of the former Channelside Bay Plaza is leaving the property after 15 years. Hooters, known for its chicken wings, sports and scantily clad servers, on Thursday confirmed that it will vacate its space in the property, which was recently rebranded Sparkman Wharf. The restaurant said it is looking for another downtown location. Hooters’ lease on the space is up Jan. 31, 2019, CEO Neil Kiefer said in a statement. “Our landlord CBP Development LLC has some different plans for the space,” Kiefer said. “We have had a great 15-year run at this location and truly appreciate all the support from our neighbors and customers, especially the city of Tampa and all the organizations we so successfully partnered with to promote downtown Tampa and the waterfront.”“Hooters Is Leaving Channelside After 15 Years” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)

Modern Taqueria to Join Sparkman Wharf

If the renderings for Tampa’s waterfront Sparkman Wharf gave you all the feels last week, the newest addition to its dining garden will, too. Rooster & the Till owners Ty Rodriguez and chef Ferrell Alvarez are set to bring their first culinary project outside of Seminole Heights to the under-construction Channel District development, which will replace Channelside Bay Plaza and is part of the larger Water Street Tampa neighborhood. Also behind Seminole Heights’ soon-to-open Nebraska Mini Mart, Alvarez and Rodriguez have decided to bring a modern taqueria called Gallito to Sparkman Wharf. Gallito will specialize in putting its own spin on Mexican street food. Details on the other eateries are forthcoming, and Sparkman Wharf — which showcases the dining garden, plus a recreational lawn and an open-air biergarten — is slated to open in the fall.“Modern Taqueria From Rooster & The Till Owners Joins Tampa’s Sparkman Wharf” – Creative Loafing

Development and Transportation

First Phase of Development at Sparkman Wharf

Fermented Reality will be a waterfront biergarten, anchoring the first phase of Sparkman Wharf, the property previously known as Channelside Bay Plaza. It will feature 30 craft beers on tap — three German beers, three Belgian beers, a cider, a mead and 22 beers brewed in Tampa Bay, showcasing breweries from Spring Hill to Sarasota and everywhere in between. Sparkman Wharf is the southern anchor of Water Street, the $3 billion mixed-use district between downtown Tampa and the Channel district. Fermented Reality is a very small fraction of Water Street, which will include millions of square feet of office space, retail and restaurants and educational and cultural institutions. But it is a crucial piece of Water Street, as its October opening will give Tampa Bay residents and tourists their first taste of the forthcoming development.“The Partners Behind The Fermented Reality Biergarten In Sparkman Wharf Aren’t Beer Snobs — But Don’t Expect Them To Serve You A Bud Light” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)

BRT Critics: Dot it Right with Dedicated Lanes

Cut rate won’t cut it if we go ahead with the area’s proposed bus rapid transit system. We need to do it right. The 41-mile project, which would run along the interstate from Wesley Chapel to St. Petersburg, can’t be an incremental improvement to an anemic transit system. It should be transformative, a catalyst for creating an integrated transportation network. Doing it right starts with dedicated BRT lanes. Without them, it hardly seems worth building. The system wouldn’t be able to live up to the “rapid” part of its name. This is not an endorsement of the BRT project. There are too many unknowns still to work out to accurately assess its value. And it’s not an argument to build it at any cost. If the price balloons, reassess. But dedicated lanes are a must. No cheaping out on those.“Tampa Bay’s Bus Rapid Transit: Do It Right, Which Means Paying For Dedicated Lanes” – Tampa Bay Times

SPP Shuffles Water Street Real Estate Plans

Embarc Collective, the Jeff Vinik-backed tech and innovation hub, is taking over a space that was previously slated to house Vinik’s real estate development company. Embarc will occupy District 3, a former events venue that Strategic Property Partners acquired in March 2017. SPP is the real estate development company Vinik controls with Cascade Investment LLC, the investment fund of Microsoft founder Bill Gates. SPP had planned to move out of Sparkman Wharf — previously Channelside Bay Plaza — and into District 3, turning it into the both its own headquarters and a sales centers for Water Street Tampa. The question now is where SPP will locate its headquarters and sales center. The sales center is of particular importance as SPP prepares to break ground on 815 Water Street, a mixed-use building near the Tampa Bay History Center that includes 196 condominium units.“With Vinik’s Tech Hub Headed To District 3 In Downtown Tampa, SPP Shuffles Real Estate Plans” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)

Brightline Scouting Land Around Proposed Rays Site

Brightline, the firm behind the passenger rail system between Miami and West Palm Beach, doesn’t yet know if it will win a state bid to build a high-speed rail link between Tampa and Orlando. But the company is already scouting sites for a terminus in downtown Tampa, according to local officials. Among the sites that have caught the interest of Brightline are Tampa Union Station, Tampa Park Apartments and the old jail site on North Morgan Street, officials said. That could put a new rail terminus within walking distance of a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark proposed for Ybor City. And with Brightline subsidizing railroad cost by cashing in on development around stations, it could make the area just north of the Channel District a potential new hub of downtown’s expansion.“High-Speed Rail Firm Scouting Land For Station And Development Around Proposed Rays Ballpark Site” – Tampa Bay Times

Another Concept Announced for Water Street

Boat Run Oyster Co., which raises oysters on an aquaculture farm in Cedar Key, will be among the dining concepts at Sparkman Wharf. Boat Run is a concept from SaltBlock Hospitality, which is run by partners Ryan Conigliaro and Scott Roberts. Sparkman Wharf, previously known as Channelside Bay Plaza, will feature 10 dining concepts in repurposed shipping containers. Boat Run has a presence at Tampa’s Oxford Exchange on weekends, offering a brunch menu of sustainably sourced oysters from around the U.S. Boat Run is “a tide-to-table concept,” according to SPP. At Sparkman Wharf, it will serve fresh-shucked raw and chargrilled oysters as well as seasonal offerings like shrimp rolls and stone crab. Sparkman Wharf is part of the $3 billion, mixed-use Water Street Tampa project, which is under construction between the Channel district waterfront and central business district. SPP is controlled by Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik and Cascade Investment LLC.“’Tide-To-Table’ Oyster Concept Coming To Sparkman Wharf’s Dining Garden In Water Street” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)

Member Corner

Trial Lawyer of the Year

Hill Ward Henderson is proud to announce that shareholder C. Howard Hunter has been named 2018 Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Florida Chapters American Board of Trial Advocates (FLABOTA). Mr. Hunter was presented with the award at the 21stAnnual FLABOTA Conference on July 21 in Boca Raton, Florida. The FLABOTA Board of Directors nominated and awarded Mr. Hunter with the 2018 Trial Lawyer of the Year honor for his excellent advocacy, distinguished career, superb reputation of high ethics and fair play, and participation in outstanding results. Mr. Hunter is a past president of FLABOTA as well as of the Tampa Bay Chapter of ABOTA (American Board of Trial Lawyers), and continues to serve on the Executive Committee of both Tampa Bay ABOTA, and FLABOTA, as he has for several years. Mr. Hunter is a shareholder in the firm’s Litigation Group, and heads the Healthcare Litigation Team.

UT Launches Business Leadership Training

The University of Tampa is offering opportunities for graduate students and up-and-coming business leaders to sharpen their business acumen and leadership skills. The school will launch a Modern Advances in Leadership Certificate program this month aimed create top-notch managers. The certificate program offers opportunities for young professionals to grow their skills or for companies to further groom potential talent. The program, which begins Aug. 28, will teach leadership skills and mindset, negotiation skills, entrepreneurial spirit, how to discover their own potential and how to understand contextual factors in the workplace. The program is available to current UT graduate students and beginning and mid-level professionals with three or more years of experience.“University Of Tampa Launches Business Leadership Training Program” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)

HART Drivers Receive Safety Award

Thirteen HART operators, joined by their families, were recognized on Tuesday, July 31, during the Authority’s Third Annual HART Million Mile Safe Driver Awards Luncheon in honor of those who achieved outstanding safety milestones in safe driving and service. One could travel to the moon and back twice before reaching a million miles, yet 11 HART Bus Operators achieved this well within earth’s atmosphere. Driving 14 consecutive years without a preventable accident, the Authority’s newest Million Mile operators are Kenneth Beach, Rufus Blake, Theresa Briseneau, Tito Goicochea, Marc Henry, Dinesta McBride, Henry Morales, Gustavo Pachon, Jimmy Suarez, Bridget Williams, and Tyran Williams.

Tampa Electric Seeks Economic Development Funds

Three of Florida’s largest electric utilities are asking regulators to make changes that would allow them to recover more money from customers for economic-development efforts. Florida Power & Light, Gulf Power Co. and Tampa Electric Co. filed a proposal this week asking the state Public Service Commission to revamp a rule that limits the amount of customer money that can go to economic development. The proposal would change a formula that takes into account the utilities’ gross annual revenues and effectively caps the economic-development amount at $3 million a year. FPL currently is at the $3 million cap, while Tampa Electric is limited to $2.9 million and Gulf Power is limited to $2.3 million.“Florida Utilities Seek Increase In Economic Development Money” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)

Around Town

Give Back: Hillsborough Education Foundation

Kids worry about many things on the first day of school like their friends, clothes, hair and shoes. But one thing no student should have to worry about is having a pencil and a piece of paper as they sit down at their desks to begin the new year. Sadly, this is a reality for far too many students. The Hillsborough Education Foundation is collecting school supplies for students in need now through September. Help us fill the shelves of the Teaching Tools store, so kids can have the tools they need for a productive school year with your support. Join forces with other businesses and community organizations to help kids succeed from the first day to the last day of school. Learn more about the Stuff the Bus supply drive. To schedule your own supply drive, call Laura Grucza at 813-574-0274 or at lgrucza@educationfoundation.com.

Gandy Business Owners’ Engagement Meeting

Attention Gandy business owners and managers – you’re invited you to attend the Selmon Extension’s first Business Owners’ Engagement Meeting. You will have the opportunity to meet with our team, ask questions or voice any concerns. If you can’t attend, you are encouraged to appoint a representative to attend on your behalf. Questions or comments? Email: Kym@SelmonExtension.com or call 813-613-2306.

Midtown Tampa Plans Coming into Sharper Focus

More key pieces of the $500 million Midtown Tampa mixed-use development near West Shore are beginning to come into view. The real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield said Thursday it had been hired by the developer, the New York City-based Bromley Companies, to handle leasing for the 750,000 square feet of office space planned at Midtown Tampa. First up: Midtown West, a 10-story office building with 176,000 square feet of space. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2019 with completion expected in the fourth quarter of 2020. Midtown West will be built on a speculative basis and will be the first such spec project delivered in the Tampa market in more than a decade. Later, two more office buildings, Midtown North and Midtown South, will follow.“Midtown Tampa Plans, Including First Office Building, Coming Into Sharper Focus” – Tampa Bay Times

New $550M Bank Launches in Tampa

With $100 million in fresh capital and a leadership team made up of well-known bankers, Beach Community Bank is moving its executive headquarters from the Florida panhandle to Tampa. Carl Chaney, former CEO of Hancock Bank (NASDAQ: HWC), and Charles “Chip” Reeves, a former executive at Fifth Third Bank (NASDAQ: FITB), worked with investment banking firm Hovde Group on a private placement to recapitalize the bank. Seasoned bank investors from around the country took part in the private placement. The recapitalized bank has $550 million in total assets and will be the second-largest bank with headquarters in Tampa, behind The Bank of Tampa, with $1.6 billion in assets. Beach Community’s executive headquarters occupies half of the first floor at Meridian One, at 4350 W. Cypress St. in Westshore. The bank has kept a low profile, and doesn’t even have its name on the door yet, but plans to become more visible in the coming days.“Leaders From Hancock, Fifth Third, Regions, Mutual Of Omaha, Raymond James Launch A $550 Million Bank In Tampa” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)

Ybor School Donation Drive

Ybor City Chamber of Commerce is hosting a School Donation Drive throughout the month of August. Help support our teachers by dropping off school supplies at the Visitors Information Center! Open Monday through Saturday 10am until 5pm and Sunday noon until 5pm. For a full supply wish list, visit the Facebook event.

Connect With Us!

Connect with us on social media to get the latest on downtown events!

Monday Morning Memo –Monday Morning Memo is a weekly update of “insider downtown information” regarding developments, transportation, special opportunities and other useful information to help you make the most of downtown. Subscribe to receive this weekly newsletter.

The Tampa Downtown Partnership serves as the steward of Downtown Tampa, cultivating public and private partnerships, and encouraging Downtown’s physical and economic development. As a proactive leadership organization, the Tampa Downtown Partnership acts as an advocate for the Downtown community.